What are membrane switches?

Membrane switches are electro-mechanical devices that combine a moving switch actuator with a pressure sensitive membrane. The membrane is made of flexible conductive material and can be either flat or domed. The various combinations of these elements produce a wide variety of switch characteristics, making them suitable in different applications. A membrane switch is an electrical component that uses a flexible diaphragm as the switching element. A typical membrane switch has three primary parts: the actuator, terminals, and diaphragm. Depending on the type, one or both of the terminals are typically non-contact types for ease of installation. These terminals connect to other electrical components with conductive wires soldered to tabs on the switch housing. A standard Membrane Switch consists of two metal plates (called ‘stators’) separated by a rubber or elastomeric dome (called the ‘membrane’). When pressure is applied to the top plate, it depresses the dome and connects one or both stators to their respective terminal pins (called ‘end contacts’). This creates an electrical connection between one or both terminals and thus completes an electric circuit when so configured in another product such

Benefits of membrane switches

– Versatility: The design of a membrane switch makes it a very versatile switch. It can be made in a variety of shapes and sizes but will always be the same basic design. A membrane switch’s design is also very flexible because its parts are not interlocking pieces. Because of this, the membrane switch can be used in a wide variety of positions. – Low Cost: Because of the simplicity of the design and the variety of materials used, membrane switches are usually less expensive than other types of switches. The simplicity of the design also makes them less expensive to produce and easier to maintain. – Long Lifespan: Unlike some other electromechanical switches, membrane switches do not contain any moving parts. The membrane itself is made of a very durable material that can withstand many years of use without breaking down or wearing out. – Fewer Hazards: The lack of moving parts makes a membrane switch less likely to break down than a mechanical switch. In the event of failure, a broken membrane can usually be replaced without being taken apart.

Factors to consider when purchasing a membrane switch

– Available Space : Because of the lack of interlocking parts, a membrane switch can be made in virtually any shape or size. However, the space available for it will affect the type of switch that can be used. The types of terminals will also limit the space that can be used. – Contact Material : The type of material used in the switch contacts will affect the type of circuit it can be used in. Switch contacts made of silver or gold will usually be best in circuits that carry low voltages. Silver will usually last longer than gold in high-voltage circuits. – Current Rating : The current rating of the switch will determine the amount of current that can pass through it. The amount of current that can pass through will depend on the type of switch and the circuit it is connected to. – Coated or Uncoated Contacts: Contact type will determine how the membrane switch will be used. An uncoated contact will make a good switch that can be used in high-voltage circuits. A coated contact can also be used in a high-voltage circuit, but will not be as good a switch.

Types of membrane switch

– Actuating Force: The amount of force required to actuate the switch will affect the type of application it will be used in. A light-actuated switch will require a lighter touch than a stiff-actuated switch. The level of force required to actuate the switch will depend on the type of actuator used. A light-actuated switch will usually have a light-actuated actuator. A stiff-actuated switch will usually have a stiff-actuated actuator. – Contact Arrangement: The arrangement of the switch contacts will determine the type of circuit it will be used in. A single-throw switch will have two contacts. A single-throw-double-break switch will have two contacts and will normally be used in high-voltage circuits. A double-throw switch has three contacts and is used in low-voltage circuits. – Manual or Automatic : A manual switch only functions when it is deliberately operated. An automatic switch is actuated whenever a circuit is closed.

Dome type switches

– Type: The type of switch will determine the type of circuit it will be used in. A single-break, single-throw switch will be used in low-voltage circuits. A single-break, double-throw switch will be used in high-voltage circuits. – Contacts: The arrangement of the contacts will determine the type of circuit the switch will be used in. A double-break switch will usually be used in low-voltage circuits. A single-break switch will usually be used in high-voltage circuits. – Operating Force : The amount of force required to actuate the switch will usually depend on the type of actuator used. A light-actuated switch will usually have a light-actuated actuator. A stiff-actuated switch will usually have a stiff-actuated actuator.

Flat type switches

– Type: The type of switch will determine the type of circuit it will be used in. A single-break, single-throw switch will be used in low-voltage circuits. A single-break, double-throw switch will be used in high-voltage circuits. – Contacts: The arrangement of the contacts will determine the type of circuit the switch will be used in. A double-break switch will usually be used in low-voltage circuits. A single-break switch will usually be used in high-voltage circuits. – Operating Force : The amount of force required to actuate the switch will usually depend on the type of actuator used. A light-actuated switch will usually have a light-actuated actuator. A stiff-actuated switch will usually have a stiff-actuated actuator.

Stabilizing spring-type switches

– Type: The type of switch will determine the type of circuit it will be used in. A single-break, single-throw switch will be used in low-voltage circuits. A single-break, double-throw switch will be used in high-voltage circuits. – Contacts: The arrangement of the contacts will determine the type of circuit the switch will be used in. A double-break switch will usually be used in low-voltage circuits. A single-break switch will usually be used in high-voltage circuits. – Operating Force: The amount of force required to actuate the switch will usually depend on the type of actuator used. A light-actuated switch will usually have a light-actuated actuator. A stiff-actuated switch will usually have a stiff-actuated actuator.

Key takeaway

Membrane switches are electromechanical devices that combine a moving switch actuator with a pressure-sensitive membrane. The membrane is made of flexible conductive material and can be either flat or domed. The various combinations of these elements produce a wide variety of switch characteristics, making them suitable in different applications. They are used in applications such as switchboards, circuit breakers, vending machines, and industrial controls.